A Local Spins on WYCE interview with Rich MacKeigan, a key player in the GR amphitheater project, raised names of potential Michigan performers, from Grand Rapids Symphony to The War & Treaty.
In Acrisure Amphitheater’s Future? Greta Van Fleet, at left, and Billy Strings are Michigan stars on a potential wish list. (Courtesy Rendering/Local Spins Photos)
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Ascending to universal popularity and following in the footsteps of Michigan icons such as Bob Seger, up-and-coming stars Greta Van Fleet and Billy Strings are changing the musical landscape while celebrating their Great Lakes State roots.
That’s why Rich MacKeigan, who grew up in Canada embracing Seger’s Motor City-driven rock, would love to see these Mitten State heroes play a role come 2026 in christening the much-ballyhooed, $184 million Acrisure Amphitheater being built along the Grand River downtown.
“Having a heavy focus on … some of the newer Michigan artists, I think would be spectacular,” said MacKeigan, executive director of the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority and regional general manager for ASM Global which oversees operation of Van Andel Arena and DeVos Performance Hall (and the new amphitheater).
Rich MacKeigan (Photo/Local Spins)
“The other thing is they might be more willing to give the market and venue a shot becuase it’s Michigan. … So I am hopeful that we get some good Michigan content to get things started. And then it’s about what’s hot, what’s out there.”
To complement Michigan’s robust summer music festival scene, MacKeigan also envisions future opportunities for dynamic urban festivals utilizing the new 12,000-seat amphitheater, proposed soccer stadium and newly developed open spaces in the downtown area. Part of that may be dependent on the Aug. 6 referendum on a Kent County hotel tax increase (from 5 percent to 8 percent) that would help provide funding for the soccer stadium as well as some amphitheater enhancements.
“I think the amphitheater — especially with the soccer stadium — now presents a very unique opportunity for Grand Rapids to have a kick-ass festival in an urban environment rather than a rural environment,” he said.
“The concessions that are being designed right now for the amphitheater will allow for standalone events to happen on the street side … without coming inside the amphitheater. The backside of the berm is going to provide another park-like environment right along the river. So if we’ve got a show, it’s going to be a great B-stage or tailgate party.
“Because it’s the urban environment, think about the cool factor of grabbing a beer at Founders (Brewing), but then also being a block from the festival at the amphitheater. I’m hopeful that becomes part of our annual programming. I think that’d be pretty spectacular.”
Another View: Artist rendering of the amphitheater.
He also said he expects the Grand Rapids Symphony to play a role in performing at the new amphitheater, which could also host a variety of community events such as graduation ceremonies and other gatherings.
Scroll down for more of the interview as part of the Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast. Local Spins will delve deeper into that discussion with MacKeigan — as well as other officials involved in the Acrisure Amphitheater (including Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington) — and explore details of the project in future stories and podcasts.
While on the subject of Michigan music festival, this week’s radio show also featured several acts performing at this weekend’s Smiling Acres Music Festival in Trufant (Pocket Watch, i.am.james, May Erlewine), Black Squirrel Bluegrass & Americana Music Festival in Albion (Alex Teller) and Dam Jam in Calumet (Stormy Chromer).
The show also featured fresh tracks by Phabies, Kait Rose, Sean Anthony Sullivan, Overdrive Orchestra and music from Michigan artists mentioned by MacKeigan: Bob Seger, Greta Van Fleet and Billy Strings (a collaboration with Cris Jacobs on “Poor Davey”). Listen to the show — which spotlights Michigan music at 11 a.m. Fridays and 5 p.m. Sundays at WYCE (88.1 FM) and online at wyce.org — here.
PODCAST: Local Spins on WYCE (6/28/24)
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